“There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.”
West Ham defender Kurt Zouma has apologised after a video of him kicking and slapping his pet cat emerged online.
Late on Monday, a video obtained by The Sun showed the 27-year-old being rough with the cat, while an acquaintance filmed it as they both appeared to laugh.
Zouma is recorded kicking and slapping the cat. The French international then chases the cat before throwing a pair of shoes at it and slapping its head. Laughter can be heard in the background during the video.
Since the video was released, both Zouma and West Ham, who he joined in the summer on a permanent deal from Chelsea, have issued statements.
Kurt Zouma ‘deeply sorry’
Zouma said: “I want to apologise for my actions. There are no excuses for my behaviour, which I sincerely regret.”
“I also want to say how deeply sorry I am to anyone who was upset by the video. I would like to assure everyone that our two cats are perfectly fine and healthy.”
“They are loved and cherished by our entire family, and this behaviour was an isolated incident that will not happen again.”
West Ham to deal with matter internally.
West Ham has clarified that they have spoken to the player and will deal with the matter internally.
A statement read: “West Ham United unreservedly condemns the actions of our player, Kurt Zouma, in the video that has circulated.”
“We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally, but we would like to make it clear that we in no way condone cruelty towards animals.”
💬 West Ham and RSPCA make a statement about Kurt Zouma
🗣 "We have spoken to Kurt and will be dealing with the matter internally." pic.twitter.com/l7KlEUhyiH
— Football Daily (@footballdaily) February 8, 2022
A spokesperson for the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals commented, “This is a very upsetting video. It’s never acceptable to kick, hit or slap an animal, for punishment or otherwise.”
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